Who painted 明十竹齋書畫譜四開|Page from Shi Zhu Zhai?

明十竹齋書畫譜四開|Page from Shi Zhu Zhai was painted by Unknown in 1633.

Where can I see 明十竹齋書畫譜四開|Page from Shi Zhu Zhai?

明十竹齋書畫譜四開|Page from Shi Zhu Zhai is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 明十竹齋書畫譜四開|Page from Shi Zhu Zhai?

明十竹齋書畫譜四開|Page from Shi Zhu Zhai is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

明十竹齋書畫譜四開|Page from Shi Zhu Zhai

Unknown , 1633

明十竹齋書畫譜四開|Page from Shi Zhu Zhai is an ink print by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1633 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This work is a polychrome woodblock print from the series known as Shi Zhu Zhai’s painting manual, presented in a four‑panel format.

About this work

Overview

This work is a polychrome woodblock print from the series known as Shi Zhu Zhai’s painting manual, presented in a four‑panel format. Executed on light paper, the image combines ink outlines with applied color, depicting a compact botanical scene rendered in muted greens, pinks, browns, and touches of bright yellow.

Subject & Meaning

The composition features a cluster of foliage on the left, highlighted by a single flower whose petals resemble tiny flames. A long, curved branch arches across the page, terminating in a diminutive bird with a pink beak. To the right, a round fruit with a short stem rests beside a low, leafy plant, suggesting a study of natural forms and seasonal details.

Technique & Style

Bold, confident lines define the outlines, while the woodblock technique allows for flat areas of color that are layered to achieve subtle tonal variation. The palette is restrained, emphasizing natural hues with occasional bright accents, and the overall effect balances quick, assured sketching with careful compositional control.

Context

Printed as part of a 19th‑century Chinese manual for artists, the sheet illustrates the instructional purpose of the Shi Zhu Zhai series, which aimed to provide models for brushwork, composition, and the rendering of botanical subjects. The work reflects the period’s interest in codifying artistic techniques for apprentices and connoisseurs alike.